A new scandal similar to 'Moroccogate' is emerging in the European Parliament, with allegations that Moroccan officials attempted to bribe lawmakers. MEP Oihane Agirrebeitia, from the Basque Nationalist Party, claims she received an email from the Moroccan embassy in Brussels on September 15, which she initially thought was a mass message. However, it appears that only certain lawmakers received the email, sparking concerns about targeted pressure tactics.
The alleged attempt to influence lawmakers comes amid discussions on migration and trade agreements between the European Union and Morocco. Agirrebeitia notes that Morocco's government has significant control over migration flows to Europe and uses this as leverage in negotiations. She emphasizes the need for integrity and transparency in these discussions, given Morocco's strategic importance to the EU.
Other MEPs have also reported experiencing pressure and intimidation from Moroccan officials. MEP Miranda, from the Galician Nationalist Bloc, claims that Moroccan officials closely monitor the European Parliament and target lawmakers who may oppose Morocco's interests. She notes that these efforts are particularly intense when debates on Western Sahara or trade agreements with Morocco are scheduled.
The Moroccan government has been accused of using various tactics to influence EU lawmakers, including bribery, intimidation, and disrupting events. Sources close to the Sahrawi people, who are fighting for independence in Western Sahara, report that they have faced increased difficulties in accessing EU institutions and promoting their cause.
This is not the first time Morocco has been involved in a scandal of this nature. In 2020, the 'Moroccogate' scandal revealed that Moroccan officials had bribed European lawmakers to influence the EU's stance on Western Sahara. The scandal led to several measures being taken, including restricting access to the European Parliament for Moroccan officials.
Despite these measures, MEPs report that the pressure from Moroccan officials continues. Agirrebeitia and others are calling for stronger action to be taken to prevent external interference in EU decision-making processes. They argue that the EU must protect its institutions and lawmakers from undue influence and ensure that its policies are guided by the principles of transparency and accountability.
The European Commission has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some MEPs accusing it of being too lenient on Morocco. The Commission has been urged to take a stronger stance against external interference and to prioritize the protection of EU institutions and lawmakers.
Key points
- Moroccan officials are alleged to have attempted to bribe European lawmakers to influence EU policy on migration and Western Sahara.
Reporting sources
- فضيحة جديدة من نوع "ماروك غيت" تلوح في الأفق · El Khabar
